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ROD, Piston and Connecting: Installation: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
Fig 1: Check for Stretched Bolts
GC0081713Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - STRETCHED BOLT
2 - THREADS ARE NOT STRAIGHT ON LINE
3 - THREADS ARE STRAIGHT ON LINE
4 - UNSTRETCHED BOLT
  1. Install the piston rings. See Engine/Engine Block/RING(S), Piston - Installation .
    NOTE: The connecting rod bearing cap bolts must be examined before reuse. If the threads are necked down (1 and 2), the bolts must be replaced.
  2. Check connecting rod bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all threads do not contact the scale, the bolt must be replaced.
    Fig 2: PISTON RING END GAP POSITION
    GC0081714Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - SIDE RAIL UPPER
    2 - NO. 1 RING GAP
    3 - PISTON PIN
    4 - SIDE RAIL LOWER
    5 - NO. 2 RING GAP AND SPACER EXPANDER GAP
  3. Before installing pistons and connecting rod assemblies into the bore, ensure that compression ring gaps are staggered so that neither is in line with oil ring rail gap.
    Fig 3: Piston and Connecting Rod
    GC0121658Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  4. Immerse the piston head and rings in clean engine oil, slide the ring compressor over the piston and tighten with the special wrench. Ensure position of rings does not change during this operation. 
  5. Install connecting rod bolt protectors on rod bolts.
  6. Rotate crankshaft so that the connecting rod journal is on the center of the cylinder bore. Insert rod and piston into cylinder bore and guide rod over the crankshaft journal.
    CAUTION: Do Not interchange piston assemblies cylinder-to-cylinder or bank-to-bank.
    Fig 4: PISTON ORIENTATION
    GC0081715Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  7. The arrow (1) on top of piston must be pointing toward front of engine and oil squirt hole on connecting rod faces the major thrust (right) side of the cylinder bore.
    Fig 5: PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD POSITIONING
    GC0081716Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  8. Tap the piston down in cylinder bore, using a hammer handle. At the same time, guide connecting rod into position on connecting rod journal.
  9. Install rod caps. Install cleaned and inspected connecting rod bolts and tighten to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.) Plus 1/4 turn.
  10. Install the cylinder head(s). See Engine/Cylinder Head - Installation .
  11. Install the oil pan. See Engine/Lubrication/PAN, Oil - Installation .
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